7 Games That Should Be On Your Wishlist

I'm a Computer Science student who loves writing about video games and gaming culture... and nerdy things. I also have my own blog as well.

This year, like every year, I've amassed a list of games I'm looking forward to playing. E3 and Gamescom are both simultaneously exciting to watch and perfectly capable of filling me with despair for my wallet, though some of the games I'm eyeing haven't had much of a presence at any conventions.

I'm a bit of a varied gamer who plays a bit of everything. Luckily I have a few games to keep me busy, but here are the ones coming soon that I can't wait to play.

Forza Horizon 3 - Xbox One, PC

Release Date: September 27th, 2016

Image Credit: Xbox.com http://goo.gl/sDd5Mr

First on the list is Forza Horizon 3, the next title in a long-running series. The Forza Horizon games are the open-world version of the simulation racing franchise. This particular entry takes place in a section of Australia, sporting multiple climates to tear around in. It's already sporting an extensive car list, along with new features like being able to plan your own events, playing online co-op races with up to three other players, and even being able to choose your driver avatar.

I'm a huge fan of the series since the release of Forza Motorsport 3, where I received a copy with my Elite Xbox 360. I was initially skeptical of Forza Horizon when it was announced, but I'm glad to say that my mind was changed after getting my hands on it. Being free to explore in any type of vehicle I see fit is something that I've come to enjoy in the series, and it gives me a respite from slamming my priceless cars into walls at Silverstone at 200 mph.

Steep - PC, PS4, Xbox One

Anticipated Release Date: December, 2016

Image Credit: Ubisoft.com http://goo.gl/hDm9l0

Steep dropped into my wishlist quite unexpectedly. I'm not one to get into sports games like this, but I have fond memories of SSX when I was younger. Steep takes place in the mountains of Alaska and the European Alps, offering you the freedom to explore the mountain ranges on skis and snowboards, or fly above them in a wingsuit or paraglider. Heavy emphasis has been put on the ability to record your exploits and challenge your friends to beat your scores.

I hope that a VR experience is made out of this, though the adrenaline might be a little overwhelming.

Tyranny - PC

Anticipated Release Date: 2016

Image Credit: Tyrannygame.com http://goo.gl/XwlsHG

Tyranny has an original premise: evil has succeed in subjugating the known world. Instead of putting you in the shoes of a liberator, you're thrust into the role of an enforcer with the authority to shape the future of the kingdom. You have the ability to challenge the establishment and inspire the masses to rise up, or join in the continued oppression of the populace. Tyranny is being developed for PC by the same folks that created Pillars of Eternity, and it definitely shows.

Tyranny interests me because I'm a sucker for great RPG stories, and it looks like Obsidian is set on creating something unique. I'm excited to bring down a tyrannical overlord's empire from within.

Horizon Zero Dawn - PS4

Release Date: February 28th, 2017

Image Credit: Playstation.com http://goo.gl/6aFvP3

Horizon Zero Dawn wowed the media and gamers alike with both of its E3 showings, and it appears to be deserved. Horizon Zero Dawn looks amazingly beautiful, and remarkably fun. Its focus on hunter-like combat, with the player stalking prey in various environments looks like it will be a unique experience. The strong female protagonist is something that I feel will be a boon to the title, considering that characters of that nature are pretty few and far between.

That and there are mechano-dragons to fight...

Ghost Recon Wildlands - PC, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: March 7th, 2017

Image Credit: Ubisoft.com http://goo.gl/0kDrD9

I've been a long standing fan of the Ghost Recon series. I've loved the simulation-style combat because it presents a greater challenge than the Call of Duty style gameplay. Ghost Recon Wildlands seems to be tapping into the formula that I've been missing since the release of Ghost Recon Future Soldier, rolling back the years a bit (not so futuristic) and expanding the operational theater quite a bit.

To me, the prospect of being able to choose my approach to combat in addition to having a much larger field of battle, lends itself well to the series. It also appears that Ubisoft has carried the gunsmith feature from Future Soldier into their newest project, and expanded on that idea by allowing customization of the player's operative.

Let's just hope that it isn't a victim of hype-culture like The Division and Watch_Dogs were.

Mass Effect Andromeda - PC, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: March 2017

Image Credit: Masseffect.com http://goo.gl/Gy8Nzc

I've made it no secret that I'm a fan of the Mass Effect franchise, the first of which is my favorite. Bioware seems to be attempting to tap into the ideas of what made the first Mass Effect a success by focusing more on exploration, though hopefully the Mako won't be impossible to drive this time around. The premise of what Mass Effect Andromeda is about is still somewhat unknown, though I have my own suspicions. Regardless of what the story is, I can't help but be excited to have a chance to play another Mass Effect title.

Rest in peace, Commander Shepard.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance - PC, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: TBD

Image Credit: Kingdomcomerpg.com http://goo.gl/N8QxGH

This one is a bit of an unknown in the gaming world. Kingdom Come: Deliverance forgoes the magic and fantasy of a medieval RPG and aims for realism instead. Set in 15th century Bohemia, you're free to forge your own destiny. Players begin as the son of a blacksmith who is tasked with different quests to complete by a noble in the region.

What interests me in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is the focus on a realistic approach. I certainly don't dislike fantasy RPGs; in fact I love the genre. This fresh take on the the RPG genre seems like there could be a great deal of potential behind it.

What About You?

What are some of the games you're looking forward to? I know The Last Guardian is probably on most people's minds, but what else? Feel free to tell me in the comments below!